DeSmet defeats Lift for Life 20-0 to open the prep football season

The DeSmet Spartans are looking to regain their place as one of the St. Louis area’s top high school football teams after last year’s 6-5 season, which was in a rebuilding year with a young team.

The Spartans looked like a team to be reckoned with on Friday night as they scored an impressive 20-0 victory over visiting Lift for Life in the season opener for both teams at the Palace on Ballas.

It was a defensive battle for much of the first half; the only points coming on a 28-yard field goal by Mark Lally to give DeSmet a 3-0 lead at halftime.

The Spartans dominated the second half, outscoring Lift for Life 17-0. The offensive fireworks were provided by brothers Cameron and Caden “Rocky” Sharp. Cameron Sharp, a junior running back, scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Spartans a 10-0 lead with 10 minutes and 16 seconds left in the third quarter. The touchdown was set up by an electrifying 72-yard punt return by Caden, a talented sophomore receiver.

On the Spartans’ next possession, Cameron Sharp broke loose for a 50-yard touchdown run, increasing the lead to 17-0. Lally closed out the scoring with a 23-yard field goal late in the third quarter. DeSmet’s defensive unit was sharp throughout the evening, posting a shutout against a very talented Lift for Life team.

Lift for Life is coming off a season in which it played for the Class 3 state championship. The Hawks play a rugged schedule for a small school, a challenge that continues next Friday when they travel to Kansas to take on Lenexa Christian Prep. DeSmet returns to action on September 4 when it visits Cardinal Ritter in another big non-conference game.

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